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F10 / F11 (2011 - 2016) The sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10) was produced from 2011 - 2016 with LCI updates arriving in 2014. In the US BMW offered a hatchback 5 Series Gran Truismo (F07) and the rest of the world also go a Station Wagon/Touring version F11.

CarPlay makes Apple Maps available for navigation in any car supporting the feature.

(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)
GENEVA -- Apple's much anticipated CarPlay feature, formerly known as iOS in the Car, got its first public airing at the 2014 Geneva auto show this week. Volvo and Ferrari were offering demonstrations, but I took advantage of Mercedes-Benz, which had CarPlay implemented in a C-class.

CarPlay is a means of mirroring an iPhone's apps and functions through a car's dashboard. Although the CarPlay screens look the same from car to car, the control paradigms can vary. For example, the Volvo concept car at the show with CarPlay used a touch screen, but the C-class had Mercedes-Benz's indirect COMAND controller. All of the CarPlay functions in this demonstration were accessed using Siri voice command and the COMAND dial set into the car's console.

Apple demoes CarPlay in a Mercedes-Benz (pictures)

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The icons on the main screen showed the same design as those in iOS but were a little larger for easier viewing while on the road. There were also fewer of them. This initial implementation of CarPlay has navigation, audio, phone, messaging, and three third-party apps: Spotify, Stitcher, and iHeartRadio. CarPlay will also include Beats Music at launch.

Further app support is a big question for CarPlay. From what I gathered at the show, Apple will be the gatekeeper for which apps it will let into the CarPlay ecosystem, although I imagine the company will listen to any objections or requests from automakers. The apps supported are likely to be a tiny subset of those available in the iTunes app store, as Apple and automakers are going to be very sensitive to driver distraction issues.

For this demonstration, an iPhone was cabled to the car's USB port -- CarPlay does not work through a wireless connection. An Apple staffer took me through the various functions, which all showed very similar flow as in iOS, making things instantly familiar for iOS users.

No matter the car brand, the CarPlay interface will look basically the same.

(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)
Entering an address for navigation was as simple as asking Siri for a business or address. Adding a little novelty, the interface also included a list of recent addresses combined with any addresses that had been received on the iPhone's e-mail or text messages. The interface also let me enter addresses manually, but that proved tedious using the COMAND controller, because I had to choose each letter with the dial on the console.

The Apple Maps showing up on the screen were larger than those on the phone, making it easier to follow route guidance. The system uses the same routing algorithms as Apple Maps, and includes traffic information. The Apple staffer giving me the demo mentioned that the navigation employs aggressive caching so as to keep routing when the connection drops out. However, you can't initiate navigation if the car is outside of cell range.

If the car has its own GPS antenna, as the C-class did, CarPlay makes use of it to get better positioning. There is also a bit of dead reckoning programmed into Apple Maps, so a temporary loss of the GPS signal won't show the car driving through a forest or the ocean.

Making phone calls was as simple as saying a contact's name, although the interface also included an onscreen keypad. Text messaging was more interesting, the interface will not show any text messaging. For incoming or outgoing texts, Siri reads them out loud, preventing driver distraction. There is no way to compose a text other than through voice command.

The music library uses the same paradigm as on an iPhone.

(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)
The music library looks very similar to the interface in iOS, and CarPlay defaults to iTunes Radio. Instead of showing a discrete image for album art on the Now Playing screen, the interface makes the cover image a subtle background.

We also looked at the iHeartRadio interface which showed the features I expect from the app. I could see my "favorited" stations and a list based on the car's current location. However, there wasn't a means of searching for new stations and adding them to my Favorites list.

Most impressively, CarPlay worked seamlessly during the demonstration. There were lag times waiting for external data to load, but the main functions and interface were all extremely quick. In the C-class, there was also an icon on the screen that let me switch back to the car's native navigation, audio, and phone functions.

To use CarPlay, you'll need an iPhone5 or better, and you will have to wait until at least the end of the year. A Mercedes-Benz engineer told me that the company is trying to get it out in its C-class by the end of 2014, so that will likely be in a 2015 model. I also heard that the S-class uses a similar head unit as the C-class, so that model could also benefit from CarPlay. Volvo was demoing CarPlay in a concept car, but has said it will first roll out the feature in its XC90 SUV. Other companies, such as Honda, have announced CarPlay adoption but had nothing on display at Geneva.

A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson also clarified to me that the company would also likely support any Android mirroring implementation that comes out of the Open Automotive Alliance, pointing out that both iOS and Apple can coexist in its cars.

I gotta say BMW doesn't look good at all right now vs. the competition sticking with its iDrive technology. They seem to be forced into it vs. MB who embraced it from the start. In my opinion, this a game changer in the BMW vs. MB rivalry.

Some reasons behind this is because iDrive has always been light years ahead of M-B when it comes to infotainment. The newest version of iDrive makes the COMAND look both archaic and Atari-like. It'd make sense for BMW therefore to try and keep perfecting their iDrive while Mercedes will benefit greatly from CarPlay as they go from a lousy infotainment to one Apple sourced, which means as good as it gets. Unfortunately, M-B's newest screens coming out in their cars (starting with the 2015 C Class) look like "$50 drugstore Android Tablets taped to the dash", i.e extremely haphazard and ghetto, as a tech analyst said. They have the worst hardware implementation on the market. Volvo actually has one the nicest integrations I saw, based on the press photos.

Maybe those with 2014 LCI models will get lucky and it will at least work for them.

If you look at the Volvo demo, it seems to me that this is a touch screen interface model rather than a scroll wheel (i.e. iDrive knob) model. Given that the F10 doesn't have a dash layout with a touchscreen, the current implementation would have to rely almost solely on Siri or allot of knob twisting through the iDrive controller. Given how clumsy the current iDrive menu structure is (although much improved), I think a fresh implementation would provide the best experience.

The Volvo demo looks like a scaled down Tesla interface, but the small screen is well integrated into the Vovo's dash whereas the tesla is functional, but to be looks glued into the dash.

Some reasons behind this is because iDrive has always been light years ahead of M-B when it comes to infotainment. The newest version of iDrive makes the COMAND look both archaic and Atari-like. It'd make sense for BMW therefore to try and keep perfecting their iDrive while Mercedes will benefit greatly from CarPlay as they go from a lousy infotainment to one Apple sourced, which means as good as it gets. Unfortunately, M-B's newest screens coming out in their cars (starting with the 2015 C Class) look like "$50 drugstore Android Tablets taped to the dash", i.e extremely haphazard and ghetto, as a tech analyst said. They have the worst hardware implementation on the market. Volvo actually has one the nicest integrations I saw, based on the press photos.

Ha ha, I see you read Daring Fireball as well. I concur - the COMAND screen in 2015 C-class looks hideous. It's so cheap and tacky.

Ha ha, I see you read Daring Fireball as well. I concur - the COMAND screen in 2015 C-class looks hideous. It's so cheap and tacky.

LOL, yup that's where I saw it. I was rolling when I read it since I've been in disbelief how cheap M-B's new screen placements look. I mean, it looks like they not only had an R&D placement budget of $0, but it looks like the interiors weren't even designed for screens, hence the haphazard "taping to the dash".

There have been a lot of mixed reviews of Apple's CarPlay, a new feature that brings iOS into the car by displaying a customized interface for core iOS apps on in-car displays of select vehicles. A couple of the the common complaints you'll be hearing about CarPlay: Its implementation varies from vehicle to vehicle as car makers use different touchscreen technology and varying approaches to meld CarPlay with their own in-car systems. Another problem is that it's so far only coming to a few new vehicles by the end of this year including a pricey new FF from Ferrari, a new C-Class from Mercedes-Benz, and the XC90 SUV from Volvo. That certainly didn't make owners of last year's C-Class model happy, but the good news is we've confirmed that at least some car makers are planning to offer aftermarket installations for older vehicles.

We've confirmed that at least Mercedes-Benz is looking into aftermarket installations of CarPlay that will allow older models of vehicles to access the feature. While the company confirmed that it is trying to get an "an after-market solution for previous cars" it couldn't confirm when the option might become available. While there is no info yet on how the aftermarket installation would work, we'd imagine it will be a dealer installed accessory for select older models like Honda and others already offer for Apple's Siri Eyes Free feature.

This week was the first time car manufacturers- Mercedes, Volvo, and Ferrari to kick things off- showed the feature actually up and running in new vehicles and announced availability for later this year. Apple also confirmed in its announcement earlier this week that it's also working with other car companies, including, BMW, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota, but didn't provide specific timeframe for announcements from those companies.

We reached out to Volvo and Ferrari about aftermarket installations but haven't heard back yet.

I'd imagine it won't be long before we also start seeing some DIY implementations using an iPad.

Looks like MB has committed to retrofitting older cars with this. BMW needs to get their stuff together.

So frustrated with my 2010 335d and using Siri... I have an hour commute each way and would love to use that time to answer emails, and even use voice recognition for making phone calls. Perhaps it is the noise of the diesel, perhaps it is my diction, but Siri and I don't see eye-to-eye when it comes to in-car use. I keep hoping some standard upgrade will make it better--so far no go.

So once the carPlay system is rolled-out into the cars, does that mean that the car makers will stop gouging us by making us pay $2K for their archaic NAV system that is light-years behind the one on my phone?

And, agree on the MB Comand system. Wifey has a 2013 GL350 and the Comand system is seriously like using a DOS based computer.

I gotta say BMW doesn't look good at all right now vs. the competition sticking with its iDrive technology. They seem to be forced into it vs. MB who embraced it from the start. In my opinion, this a game changer in the BMW vs. MB rivalry.

It's not the only game changer. Look at the finishes in the new C class. Open pore wood, leather dash, upgraded intuitive Comand system. Mercedes has finally woke up and is truly sticking it to BMW.

The "leather" dash on the C will be vinyl (as it is on the S, even), and COMAND will need to update itself about a decade from where it is currently to reach the current iDrive. I also don't get why open pore wood is becoming so trendy on cars, looks unfinished to me, or at the very least, impossible to alleviate any potential damage without fully replacing.

I don`t think MB is after BMW anymore. The only people trying to catch up with BMW are Caddy, Lexus, Acura (they`re failing), and Infiniti.

MB acknowledges that their vehicles are more as a stat symbol/luxury sedan with maybe a flare of sport. The interior is like nothing else on the market. i also hate the damnn tablet crap they`re pulling looks out of place. The exterior is just gorgeous. That being said, and also reading the review from Autoblog today, it seems like the Merc has the presence, but lacks the sport cred that BMW offers with its handling add-ons.

Command also is highly modular, and offers SD card nav upgrades to those purchasing the vehicle bone stock.

Interface....ehhhhh Nothing too amazing. Apple is going to alleviate the situation Command is in. But If your not running iOS what do you then.

BMW at least has been really leading the pack in terms of OS. However one thing i`d like to point out is that iDrive, Command, MMi are all built on the premise of using a physical scrolling wheel. CarPlay is built around touchscreen interface....If CarPlay is amazing, the only ecosystems that will survive are those that offer built in touchscreens.

Something to clarify what i`m saying is the launch of Windows 8, and the evolution of laptops.

Pre-W8 most laptops were built with a mouse and keyboard input in mind.
W8 launches, everyone realizes W8 is much more friendly with touchscreens and starts launching laptops with touchscreens.

Why does this matter?
CAUSE EVERY TIME someone says Lexus has better build quality, one should consider what Toyota their Lexus Engine and chassis platform comes out of and how long that part has been tested in the real world!

Why does this matter?
CAUSE EVERY TIME someone says Lexus has better build quality, one should consider what Toyota their Lexus Engine and chassis platform comes out of and how long that part has been tested in the real world!

In the last week, there are reports that CarPlay rollout will be delayed into 2015 because some car makers also want to support Android Auto. But BMW has never firmly committed when it would come to their cars?

Heard that Audi and MB will try to roll it out this year, for 2015 models.

One thing that might be a drawback is if it don't support using Google Maps instead of Apple Maps. I have all iOS devices but I use Google Maps for navigation.

The other thing is, will you have to buy in-car navigation package to get CarPlay? It would be the car maker trying to foist their overpriced and inferior navigation product in expensive packages at the same time supporting smart phone navigation apps. which are going to be better for searching and finding POIs, as well as having the most current maps without being gouged by the dealer to update maps.

To me, in car nav has quickly become obsolete with how integrated and much better you can get smartphone apps to do the same thing. It's one area where I'll save on an upcoming car if the options lists allow me (on cars where it isn't standard).

It's going to be hard for BMW to let go of the profit they're making on $2500 navigation systems. Plus, I don't see them as too excited to open up their hardware architecture to be able to interface with other proprietary systems. Bluetooth is an industry standard, otherwise BMW might still be kicking and screaming about that too.

I predict BMW will begrudgingly offer CarPlay in the 2016-2017 generational updates, but it will only be available as part of a $3500 Technology Package that includes their own Navigation system and a few other things nobody would buy individually.

I'm mixed on this. While on-board navigation with stored maps is never going to be as comprehensive and intellignet as a fully cloud based solution like Google Maps, I do think there are some advantages with the current setup:
-Doesn't need a cell signal to provide navigation and maps (this is an issue that I've encountered surprisingly frequently even in the busy NOrtheast corridor)
-User interface optimized for driving. Using the idrive controller definitely beats a touch screen when in the car - which is the only interface I've seen mentioned in conjunction with CarPlay
-As far as cost, BMW is already including the nav system as a standard option in the 5 series. I see this continuing with the next gen.
-CarPlay will almost certainly require the use of Apple Maps which to me is even worse than the built-in nav.

The best of both worlds would be for BMW to offer cloud based routing as an option (ideally using Google as the provider). THey already offer Google voice POI search, so this might not be out of the question. When I was coding my car I saw an "online routes" option but it didn't do anything when I enabled it. Perhaps they already offer this in other parts the world.

I'm actually fine with the current BMW apps model of integrating other apps into idrive. The main irritiations with it stem from some Apple imposed limitations such as:
-Siri doesn't allow you to open apps via eyesFree when in the car
-Doesn't provide a way to load a list of apps that are bmw app enabled.
-can run/switch between multiple apps from idirve

It would be nice if Google Maps could be "bmw app enabled" to give that option. But I doubt that's a high priority for Google.

What surprises me most is how you can apparently stream turn by turn directions via the cars Bluetooth.

Partially but it really needs a cell signal to work well. Also, the maps are not local to the device, it needs a data connection. I think google maps does some caching once it's calculated a route however

Yeah wjth the Siri integration on the 14s you can actually ask for directions and get voice guidance via Bluetooth but it uses apple maps of course. And on pre 14s you can still hear the directions via Bluetooth.

Does anyone know if it is possible to get an aftermarket Apple CarPlay for a 2008 530d (touring) in the UK? My Nav and radio are both broken and been told they need replacing, circa £800-1000!! So if I can incorporate Apple CarPlay into the replacement then that would be great!

I've seen aftermarket units with CarPlay by Alpine and Pioneer in the US. They're in the $500-600 range.

But it's up to your installer to determine how well they can install it in your car. They may or may not be able to get the aftermarket units, which have a pretty large screen, to fit into the dash in place of the built-in units.

You may want to make sure you're happy with navigation from Apple Maps first though.